Wed, Oct 31, 2012
Tamarack Aerospace Group Developing ATLAS System
Tamarack Aerospace Group’s CEO Nick Guida has announced the development of active winglets for Cessna CitationJet series aircraft. Tamarack’s Active Technology Load Alleviation System (ATLAS) allows for simplified winglet installation requiring no major structural or engineering effort. The patented active winglet design allows for load alleviation during gusts while retaining all the performance benefits passive wingtips provide.
Tamarack has been flight testing the system since originally outfitting an RV-6 with active winglets. Once the potential performance benefits of such a system were proven, a Cirrus was outfitted with the winglets to serve as a technology demonstrator and aid in FAA approval.
A problem with passive winglets is the redistribution of wing loads across the wing surface, which causes increased flexing in the wing and typically requires structural modification to prevent exceeding design limitations. Central to the ATLAS system is the Tamarack Active Control Surface (TACS), which moves like a flap to alleviate wing loads and reduce the aerodynamic signature of the winglets during flight in turbulent and gusty conditions, when load factors could be exceeded.
“This is new technology we like to refer to as winglet 2.0,” said Guida, whose plans for Tamarack include offering active winglets for other airframes in the future. FAA issuance of an STC for the CitationJet installation is expected in a year. Benefits of the CJ installation include increased range and efficiency while avoiding the drawbacks typically associated with sometimes complex passive winglet installations. “We’re going to make a CJ1 fly a lot like a CJ2,” promises Guida.
The ATLAS winglet system was designed to be an easy OEM modification, and Tamarack has been consulting with Cessna to aid development and acceptance of their active winglet design. The triple-redundant electronic stress monitoring system will monitor stress data and alert the pilot should wing stress levels be exceeded. A CitationJet equipped with the ATLAS system began flying last week, and Tamarack is currently accepting deposits for future orders.
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (05.02.24)
See All